The Gaziantep Commodity Exchange discusses global grain trade risks and the upcoming pistachio harvest amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In the ordinary assembly meeting of the Gaziantep Commodity Exchange (GTB) held in July, developments in global grain trade, the effects of geopolitical risks on food supply, the grain purchases of the Grain Board, the activities of the Mediterranean Product Market Intermediary Institution (ÜPAK), and the upcoming pistachio harvest season were evaluated.
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, GTB Assembly President Ahmet Tiryakioğlu stated that the Russia-Ukraine War has affected not only production areas but also ports, commercial vessels, and international trade routes. Tiryakioğlu emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea for global grain trade and noted that attacks on ports and commercial vessels pose risks to global food supply security.
He mentioned that prolonged disruptions in this regard could lead to an increase in grain prices and negatively impact countries that are particularly dependent on imports. Tiryakioğlu also pointed out that similar risks are experienced in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that security issues in the region complicate maritime transportation and lead to fluctuations in freight and logistics costs along with oil prices.
Highlighting the importance of Turkey's diplomatic initiatives to keep trade corridors open, Tiryakioğlu said, 'Any disruption in grain and energy trade affects a wide range from production costs to consumer prices. Therefore, ensuring the security of international trade routes is of great importance.'
Mediterranean ÜPAK rises to third place GTB Board Chairman Mehmet Akıncı also provided information about the activities carried out by the exchange. He noted that ÜPAK has risen to third place among the product market intermediary institutions operating in Electronic Product Certificate (ELÜS) transactions during the new harvest period and stated that efforts to strengthen a secure and transparent transaction infrastructure in product markets are ongoing.
Pistachio harvest is starting In evaluations regarding the upcoming pistachio season, Akıncı mentioned that early red ben pistachios have started to be seen in the Barak region and that the harvest will gain momentum in the coming days. He pointed out that pistachios are a strategic product for the Gaziantep economy and agricultural exports, emphasizing that maintaining product quality, harvesting at the right time, ensuring appropriate drying and storage conditions, and integrating the product into the registered trade system are important for the sustainability of the sector.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
